How do you feel about bundled books?
I’ll admit, I put this off for some time. Somehow, the idea of selling all of my books at once seemed to take something from them individually. Why? I have no idea… because they’re all still there. In fact, they’re grouped together, as they should be.
But should they be?
Me? I’m a series girl. As an avid fantasy fiction reader, I’m thrilled when authors provide bundles, when I know they’ve taken the time to see their series through. Lord knows, sometimes we writers want to walk away and not finish. We’ve got a new story idea, another character eager to have her story told. So in my book, kudos to authors who allow their characters to finish their tales.
I decided to bundle The MacLomain Series. Of course you can still purchase the stories individually. For me, it was important that readers discover how The King’s Druidess (The MacLomain Series- Prelude) ties in so well with Sylvan Mist (The MacLomain Series- Book 3). The novels in between take you on an incredible journey that meld the first and last together perfectly.
For some reason, when I thought about promoting this bundle, a certain scene came to mind. It was a point in Sylvan Mist when William and Coira first truly connected, despite how irritated they were with one another. I think it was the moment that I fell in love with William MacLomain! (Aye, authors can love their own characters. In fact, they better)
Here it is…
Coira yawned and snuggled closer to the fire.
Had she ever been this comfortable? The heavy thud of rain pelted the ceiling overhead. Her mother must be cooking something scrumptious. It smelled wonderful, slightly sweet, apples? No. More like cinnamon and nutmeg melting over a low flame, yet earthy and potent. What was that?
She smiled and opened her eyes. My, it was dark in her room, must be the storm outside. Then the rain became the steady thud of a heart and her pillow became the muscled chest of a man.
Coira froze. Where was she?
"I know you're awake, lass." The brogue was as deep and sensual as smooth whisky.
She jerked up and slammed into the pewter gaze of the man staring down at her. She sat cradled in his lap, both his strong arms and a rough tartan cocooning her. Darn it.
"Release me this instant, you lout!" she hissed.
William did not release her but bared his straight white teeth in a wolfish grin and pulled her closer. "But you seemed so peaceable a moment ago. In fact, if I didnae know better I would have thought you—"
"Shush?" He pried her hand from his mouth but did not release it. Instead he turned it over, his eyes falling to the glimmering diamond engagement ring on her finger. "Do you love him?"
She hadn't expected the question and he knew it. "Of course I do."
His silver regard returned to her face. Whatever he saw there pleased him. "As a friend."
She frowned. No. Not as a friend, as a fiancé. "No, as a man."
Were his lips edging closer?
His hand traced her jaw line. "A man who is a friend."
What did he just say? His forefinger and thumb clutched her chin. She would not be distracted and spoke with a level of calm she didn't feel. "A friend who is a fiancé." Lord, that hadn't come out right at all.
"So 'tis to be a marriage of convenience." His throaty declaration brought his lips closer.
Her eyelids became very heavy, and her lips throbbed. "Is it not convenient to marry a friend?" Again, not what she intended to voice.
His lips were within an inch of hers, his burr soft. "Aye, 'tis convenient enough, but what of passion?"
SKY HERE. Did you actually think I would give away the kiss? Not on your life! But I will share more....
"Up, lass." His words matched his actions, and she was lifted and placed on the ground. Coira opened her eyes and glared. She felt like sampled goods.
"Don't kiss me again." She met his eyes with her order.
One corner of William's mouth inched up as he strode past her. "I didnae kiss you. You kissed me, so you best tell yourself not to kiss me again."
She rounded on him as two horses approached. His chestnut mount and the black horse she'd ridden the day before. "I didn't kiss you, and I'm not riding that horse again."
He offered a small smile and swung astride his mount. "Then walk, because you're not riding with me."
Coira tempered her rage. She was good enough to kiss but not good enough to ride with? Then good sense got the better of her. She'd made it clear yesterday she had no desire to ride with him and that remained the same. Or so she tried to convince herself. She eyed the black beast and wondered if she dared to ride him again.
She circled the horse and bought time with words. "Where is everyone? I heard no one depart."
Worry seized her. "Is Annie well?"
William watched her skirt the stallion with amusement. "They left early. I stayed with you to allow you to rest, and aye, your sister is fine. In fact, she's likely reuniting with Arianna at this moment."
She should thank him for his courtesy but decided against it. Though thoroughly aggravated with him, she needed him. "Will you help me mount?"
William snickered. "Nay."
She spun back and planted her hands on her hips. "Foolish of me to think you might have even an ounce of gentleman in you."
He laughed, the sound deep and enticing. "I'm a Scotsman and a barbarian, aye? Why would you now seek me to be a gentleman? Mayhap if I had a wee bit o' English in me—"
"No more, I'll mount on my own. I don't need your help." She turned away from the brute and stepped closer to the horse. She’d done this before and could very well do it again.
There was a hip-high rock mere feet from them. She strode to the rock and turned back to face the horse. "Come here. I wish to mount you."
The horse didn't budge an inch. She spared a fleeting glance at William. He lounged forward, an elbow on the back of his horse's neck, chin resting on a closed fist. Amusement danced in the depths of his eyes.
Forget him.
Coira repeated her request to the beast, but he remained impassive. She knew what he wanted. And she wasn't going to give it to him. Coira strode forward until she stood nose to nose with the horse. "Please come with me. I implore you."
The horse shook its head and snorted. How ridiculous, the silly horse intended to make her do it. One must comply when cornered. She chose to be discreet and moved until she could stand on tiptoes and whisper into the stallion's ear. "Just a wee favor for an old friend, lad? The rock over yonder, please. I cannae mount you from here." The horse tilted his head in acknowledgment and then trotted over to the rock. Coira sighed with relief, ran to the rock, and swung onto the horse's back. She had done it again!
She turned the mount and held her head high. "I'm ready."
William grinned, brought his horse alongside hers and winked. "See how well we Scottish males respond to a soft female brogue."
Sky here. Hope you enjoyed! So what are your thoughts on bundled books? Good or bad?
*Shameless Plug Alert* If you'd like to purchase The MacLomain Series books seperately, click HERE. .99 Cents per title through March.
If the BOXED SET is for you, Click HERE. $2.99 until the end of March.
Please NOTE... these books contain strong sexual content and are recommended for a mature audience.
Cheers,
~Sky
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